The passion and artistry of Spain graced the Mark Hellinger Theater in New York City, as “Flamenco Puro” (“Pure Flamenco”) opened on October 19, 1986 for a run of 40 performances. The creating artist, Pablo Pena, had a lifelong love for the unique dance form. In an interview, Pena stated, “Flamenco at its purest … emerged in the early 19th century from a poverty-stricken melting pot of Gypsies, Moors, Jews and Spaniards in southern Spain’s Andalusia region. It was originally an expression of song and dance that poignantly mirrored the people’s brutal persecution.” (Please see June 1 for more on Pablo Pena.)